SunGold and RubyRed per hectare returns tipped to reach record levels
Zespri has released its first full forecast for the 2026 season, with strong value expected to be returned to growers from a record crop of 225mn trays. Average per hectare returns are forecast to exceed last year’s record returns for all categories other than Green and Organic Green.
Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake said the forecast per hectare returns reflected this season’s increased yields and the value secured across global markets, despite a more challenging market environment.
Forecast per tray returns remain within the indicative ranges provided in June. Green and Organic per tray returns reflect strong demand, lower Green volumes and the expectation of a shorter selling window this season. SunGold forecast returns reflect a more challenging market environment, with increased competition from summer fruit, pricing pressure across parts of Asia and a larger-than-expected crop.
Te Brake said with more fruit to sell, the focus has been on actively managing the allocation of this year’s crop to help maximise grower returns.
“There’s continued strong demand in North America, which is helping offset some of the pressures we’ve seen from a more challenging market environment this season,” he said.
“In recent weeks we’ve also seen encouraging signs in Europe with summer fruit exiting the market, with our teams focused on closing out the season as strongly as possible.
“Quality remains our major focus as we move through the second half of the sales season, with our teams looking to manage this through careful market allocation and inventory management, and by working closely with our suppliers and customers so that we can maximise value for growers.”
The 2026 per tray forecast predicted NZ$9.90 for Zespri Green, NZ$11.50 for Zespri SunGold and NZ$17.02 for Zespri RubyRed. The per hectare forcast was NZ$99,793 for Zespri Green, NZ$191,208 for Zespri SunGold and NZ$117,805 for Zespri RubyRed.
